2 
Choice Ferns for Amateurs. 
clothe tlie earth : this is amply proved by 
the fossil deposits that have been disclosed from 
time to time. Then the Ferns were veritable plant 
giants, as shown by the huge specimens found in the 
coal-measures both in this country and on the Con- 
tinent. Some idea of their size may be obtained 
when it is stated that well-preserved specimens have 
been unearthed that measured 95ft. in height and 
30ft. in circumference. Such plant giants have long 
since disappeared, and have been replaced by species 
and varieties of much smaller dimensions. 
Geographical Range. 
Ferns have a very wide geographical range; 
indeed, they may be said to exist all over the world ; 
while there is no other Order of plants whose re- 
presentatives are found in such varied positions 
and dissimilar aspects, or whose habit of growth is 
so varied. Their range may be said to extend from 
the Tropics (where they are most abundant) to the 
Arctic regions, even as far north as Greenland. 
Moreover, they are found from the sea-level to 
12,000ft. or 16,000ft. above.^ 
Worthy of remark, too, in connection with Ferns 
in general is the singularly cosmopolitan character 
that certain species and varieties possess. Most of 
our native Spleenworts, for instance, are also found 
throughout the European Continent, ISTorthern Asia, 
North and South Africa, in North America, and in 
various parts of India, &c. Another instance is 
furnished by our common Maidenhair Fern (Adian- 
tum Capillus-VcTieris), which is practically ubiqui- 
tous. Other instances of the characteristic alluded 
to are provided by our Royal Fern (Osrnunda 
regalis), that grows plentifully on the banks of 
rivers and streams, on the ISTeilgherries and other 
high mountains in India ; the common Shield Ferns 
Aspidium, angulare and Nephrodiiiw, svimilosum, 
also found in many parts of India and North America ; 
and by the violet-scented Nevhroditim fragrans, 
originally introduced here from North America, that 
is now abundant on some of the Japanese mountains. 
